2013 saw Springboard organise a variety of activities to mark the UN International Day of Peace.

Peace Walk & Cool FM Roadshow

To promote and celebrate non-violence where we live, work, learn and play, a Peace Walk was be held from Writer Square to Belfast City Hall just prior to the 2013 Official Observance. The walk saw close to 100 Peace Day supporters journey through the city centre to our 2013 partners Cool FM and the live roadshow in the grounds of Belfast City Hall where long-time supporters the Echo Raptors entertained the participants and public on the Cool FM stage.

Official Observance & Inspiration Awards

Councillor Máirtín Ó Muilleoir, Lord Mayor of Belfast joined millions around the world in leading the official observance of the International Day of Peace in Belfast a day early on 20th September. The event took place before an invited audience in Belfast City Hall.

Presentation of Inspiration Awards

Launched in 2010, the fourth annual Inspiration Awards were held at Belfast City Hall during the Official Observance of the International Day of Peace. The awards were created to celebrate Peace Day by acknowledging positive role models and their inspirational influence on others. Compered by Cool FM’s award winning DJ Pete Snodden the Awards this year celebrated inspirational youth.

Four awards were presented.

The Community Inspiration Award this year was to recognise and honour a young person aged 16-25 years. The recipient was to be a young person who had overcome adversity, undergone a personal transformative journey to achieve success and become a positive role model and / or through their effort and commitment had made a significant difference or change to an individual, a group or the wider community.

“He has embraced multiple experiences and challenges all bringing him to where he is today, to – a situation where he now helps others.”

The Youth Inspiration Award recognises a young person who has overcome adversity to create a better future and whose story has inspired or has the capacity to inspire positive development in others. 2013 saw this Award go to Michael Blaney with Gary Symington from Light House giving the citation.

“Today he believes ‘life is for living’ and there are no problems that can’t be solved. He believes will-power and determination can help him to achieve his goals and he won’t let anyone stand in his way or try to ruin his life, no matter what they do or say.”

The Celebrity Inspiration Award this year went to not only a famous musician with one of the world’s biggest rock bands, but also a graduate of a Springboard programme the one and only Jonny Quinn of Snow Patrol.

Jonny participated in a Springboard Programme back in 1996 which included a four week placement in London. Having successfully completed his placement he was offered the opportunity to become a band promoter on his return to Belfast and this is where his relationship with Gary Lightbody began. Jonny had booked Gary’s former band Shrug to do a gig in Belfast and a year later Gary contacted him to join his new band now famously known as Snow Patrol.

Jonny’s citation was was performed by well-known music personality and friend Terri Hooley.

“Jonny has been a huge influence and inspiration to myself and many others with his kindness and generosity of spirit always giving and never expecting anything in return.”

The event culminated with the presentation of the Special Inspiration Award. This year the Award was presented to an individual whose journey, courage and personality is an inspiration to all. We were very honoured this year to be able to name ‘wee’ Oscar Knox as an inspiration to us all. Oscar has touched the hearts of hundreds of thousands with his brave fight since being diagnosed with high-risk neuroblastoma – a rare and aggressive childhood cancer and continues to inspire us all with his ongoing strength and courage.

Oscar’s citation was delivered by family friend and two-time Olympic Medallist Paddy Barnes who also picked up the Award on Oscar’s behalf.

Springboard’s Sports Coaching, London programme hosted an Inclusive Games Day at Queens PEC, Belfast. This event was supported by the Special Olympics Ireland and involved pupils in primary from Botanic Primary School, St Peters Primary School from West Belfast and Glenwood Primary School from the Shankill. Celebrating an ethos of teamwork and cooperation to raise awareness of the ideals of UN Peace Day